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Can you use an Apple Pencil with Macbook?

As an Apple user, I’ve been curious about the possibilities of using an Apple Pencil with a Macbook. After some research and experimentation, I’m here to share my experience and any solutions I’ve found.

You cannot draw directly on the Macbook’s screen using the Apple Pencil. However, you can connect an iPad to the MacBook as a second display and draw on the iPad using the Apple Pencil.

While you cannot draw directly on the Macbook’s screen, there are options out there if you want to be able to draw on the MacBook, but it will require that you have an iPad or a drawing tablet.

Key Takeaways
Drawing directly on Macbook screen using Apple Pencil is not possible
Connect an iPad or drawing tablet to the MacBook to draw
Apple Pencil cannot be connected to Macbook to check battery life
To check battery percentage of Apple Pencil, connect it to an iPad

Can you use an Apple Pencil with Macbook?

It is not possible to draw on the Macbook’s screen using the Apple Pencil or anything else.

However, it is possible to connect an iPad or a drawing tablet to the MacBook which you can then use to draw on while using macOS on the Macbook.

To do this, you can use Sidecar which is a feature that comes with the MacBook. There are also alternative options you can use such as LunarDisplay.

If you want to draw things on the Macbook, using Sidecar or Lunar Display can work well. However, if you are looking to do it for professional reasons, you may find that a drawing tablet is the best option for you.

Also, another way you can do basic drawings on the Macbook is by using a dumb stylus on the trackpad. Unfortunately, my own testing has found that you cannot use the Apple Pencil to do this. However, you can get a dumb stylus relatively cheaply to use. This option would work well for things such as when you need to write your signature, but is not a good option if you are looking to actually draw things.

Read more: can you use an Apple Pencil with a screen protector?

Can you use an Apple Pencil with Macbook Pro?

You cannot use the Apple Pencil to draw on the Macbook Pro’s screen. My own testing has also found that you cannot use the Apple Pencil to draw on the trackpad.

Also, you cannot connect the Apple Pencil to the Macbook Pro to do things such as check the battery life.

If you want to draw on the MacBook Pro, your best option would be to connect the iPad to it using Sidecar or an alternative or to get a drawing tablet.

Read more: can you use the Apple Pencil on a Macbook trackpad?

Can you use an Apple Pencil with Macbook Air?

You cannot use the Apple Pencil to draw on the Macbook Air’s screen.

My own testing has also found that you cannot use the Apple Pencil to draw on the trackpad. Also, you cannot connect the Apple Pencil to the Macbook Air to do things such as check the battery life.

If you want to draw on the MacBook Air, your best option would be to connect the iPad to it using Sidecar or an alternative or to get a drawing tablet.

Can you charge an Apple Pencil with a Macbook?

You cannot charge the Apple Pencil 2 by attaching it to the MacBook. The only way to charge the Apple Pencil 2 is by attaching it to the side of an iPad that has a charging section designed for the Apple Pencil 2 which is only found on the newer iPads.

You also cannot charge the Apple Pencil 1 using the MacBook. To charge the Apple Pencil 1, you must connect it to the iPad’s lightning port or connect it to an adapter designed for the Apple Pencil 1.

Apple Pencil
Apple Pencil

Can you check the battery of an Apple Pencil with a Macbook?

As of January 2022, it is not possible to connect the Apple Pencil to the MacBook. Therefore, you cannot check the Apple Pencil’s battery percentage from the MacBook.

In order to check the battery percentage of the Apple Pencil, it will be necessary to have it connected to an iPad.

Ultimately, the Apple Pencil is designed to be used with an iPad. If you want to use an Apple Pencil with an iPad, it will be necessary for you to connect the iPad to the Macbook with Sidecar or an alternative.

Pros

  • You can use an iPad as a second display and draw on the iPad using the Apple Pencil.
  • You can connect the iPad to the Macbook using Sidecar or an alternative.
  • You can use a dumb stylus to do basic drawings on the Macbook.

Cons

  • You cannot draw directly on the Macbook’s screen using the Apple Pencil.
  • You cannot connect the Apple Pencil to the Macbook to check the battery life.
  • You cannot use the Apple Pencil to draw on the Macbook trackpad.